Self-supporting post leveling device

Abstract

A self-supporting post leveling device ( 10 ) operable to both level and support a post ( 12 ) or other structural or support member, such as, for example, a pole or beam, during erection or installation. The device ( 10 ) broadly comprises an adjustable sleeve ( 14 ), including two post adjustment mechanisms ( 16,18 ); two leveling mechanisms ( 20,22 ); and two, three, four or more legs ( 24,26,28,30 ). The post ( 12 ) is received within and substantially surrounded by the sleeve ( 14 ). The post adjustment mechanisms ( 16,18 ) tighten to immobilize the post ( 12 ) within the sleeve ( 14 ). The leveling mechanisms ( 20,22 ), such as, for example, fluid bubble leveling mechanisms or laser leveling mechanisms, may be secured to or incorporated within the sleeve ( 14 ). The legs ( 24,26,28,30 ) support the sleeve ( 14 ) and the post ( 12 ) immobilized therewithin.

Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following:  
     
       1. A self-supporting post leveling device for leveling and supporting a post, the post leveling device comprising: 
       a sleeve operable to receive the post, wherein the sleeve is operable to be opened and closed about a hinge; and  
       at least two legs operable to support the sleeve and the post, with each leg being movably coupled with the sleeve and independently positionable relative thereto.  
     
     
       2. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 1 , further including a post adjustment mechanism coupled with the sleeve and adjustable to immobilize the post received within the sleeve. 
     
     
       3. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the post adjustment mechanism is a threaded rod screwed perpendicularly through the sleeve so as to be tightenable against the post received within the sleeve. 
     
     
       4. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the legs includes an adjustment mechanism operable to lengthen and shorten the leg. 
     
     
       5. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the adjustment mechanism is rotatably interposed between an upper portion and a lower portion of the leg such that rotation of the adjustment mechanism in a first direction causes the leg to lengthen and rotation of the adjustment mechanism in a second direction causes the leg to shorten. 
     
     
       6. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 1 , further including a leveling mechanism associated with the sleeve and operable to indicate a level orientation of the sleeve and the post received therewithin. 
     
     
       7. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the leveling mechanism is a fluid bubble leveling mechanism. 
     
     
       8. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein there are two of the leveling mechanisms associated with the sleeve, with each leveling mechanism being oriented perpendicular to the other and to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and operable to indicate a level orientation of the sleeve and the post received therewithin. 
     
     
       9. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein there are more than two legs. 
     
     
       10. A self-supporting post leveling device for leveling and supporting a post, the post leveling device comprising: 
       a sleeve operable to receive the post, wherein the sleeve is operable to be opened and closed about a hinge;  
       a post adjustment mechanism coupled with the sleeve and adjustable to immobilize the post received within the sleeve;  
       at least two leveling mechanisms associated with the sleeve, with each leveling mechanism being oriented perpendicular to the other and to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and operable to indicate a level orientation of the sleeve and the post immobilized therewithin; and  
       at least three legs operable to support the sleeve and the immobilized post, with each leg being movably coupled with the sleeve and independently positionable relative thereto.  
     
     
       11. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the legs includes an adjustment mechanism operable to lengthen and shorten the leg. 
     
     
       12. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the adjustment mechanism is rotatably interposed between an upper portion and a lower portion of the leg such that rotation of the adjustment mechanism in a first direction causes the leg to lengthen and rotation of the adjustment mechanism in a second direction causes the leg to shorten. 
     
     
       13. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the post adjustment mechanism is a threaded rod screwed perpendicularly through the sleeve so as to be tightenable against the post received within the sleeve. 
     
     
       14. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the leveling mechanism is a fluid bubble leveling mechanism. 
     
     
       15. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein there are four legs. 
     
     
       16. A self-supporting post leveling device for leveling and supporting a post, the post leveling device comprising: 
       a sleeve operable to receive the post, wherein the sleeve is operable to be opened and closed about a hinge;  
       a post adjustment mechanism including a threaded rod screwed perpendicularly through the sleeve so as to be tightenable against the post received within the sleeve;  
       at least two leveling mechanisms associated with the sleeve, with each leveling mechanism being oriented perpendicular to the other and to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and operable to indicate a level orientation of the sleeve and the post received therewithin; and  
       at least three legs operable to support the sleeve and the post, with each leg being movably coupled with the sleeve and independently positionable relative thereto, and at least one of the legs including an adjustment mechanism rotatably interposed between an upper portion and a lower portion of the leg such that rotation of the adjustment mechanism in a first direction causes the leg to lengthen and rotation of the adjustment mechanism in a second direction causes the leg to shorten.  
     
     
       17. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein the leveling mechanism is a fluid bubble leveling mechanism. 
     
     
       18. The self-supporting post leveling device as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein the leveling mechanism is a laser leveling mechanism.